Best National Parks For Camping

When it comes to choosing the perfect place for a camping trip, the U.S. has no shortage of scenic and adventurous campgrounds to choose from.

But according to a rather large group of avid, adventurers, the best campgrounds of all can be found within the country's national parks.

Yonder, a community-based mobile app designed to inspire outdoor adventure, recently surveyed more than 300,000 outdoor enthusiasts about their favorite places to camp. The results: Although participants were free to choose any U.S. campground as their favorite, national park campgrounds ultimately stole the entire show.

"Camping at a national park is different from camping at other places because of the diversity of experience,” says Emily Boyd, director of strategic partnerships for Yonder and a former park ranger at a national historic park. “You can get lost in the backcountry for weeks on end or park your RV within walking distance from attractions. The National Park Service (NPS) is uniquely positioned to serve all types of outdoor adventurers, including people of all ages and varying levels of experience."

Essentially, national park campgrounds offer some of the most unique camping experiences in the country. And, as Boyd points out, since opportunities within the parks are sometimes limited (e.g., many national park campgrounds require reservations that are hard to score) these camping trips are often once in a lifetime experiences.

"National Parks are truly one-of-a-kind places to visit and camping offers a unique opportunity to experience protected places,” Boyd said. “[ Camping in the parks] offers the opportunity to be fully immersed in the experience and connect with the park after the busy chaos of day visitors."

Curious which parks were voted best for setting up camp? The following U.S. national parks were voted the 10 best for truly incredible camping adventures.

Best National Parks For Camping

7. Linville Gorge Wilderness National Forest, N.C.

Part of the Pisgah National Forest, the rugged, backcountry terrain of the Linville Gorge Wilderness area is a quintessential camping site for the truly adventurous explorer.

7. Linville Gorge Wilderness National Forest, N.C.

Hikers will especially enjoy the abundance of trails to choose from, ranging from one-mile beginner-level hikes to rigorous, long-distance treks. From May through October, free permits are needed for camping within the park on weekends and holidays.

6. Arches National Park, Utah

The NPS designates March through April as Arches' "busy season" when it's recommended that visitors make advanced reservations for one of the 50 campsites in the park’s Devils Garden Campground area.

6. Arches National Park, Utah

For those who aren't lucky enough to score a site within the actual park, there are a number of commercial campgrounds available nearby, as well as campgrounds managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, Calif.

For those who truly want to connect with the wilderness, Joshua Tree offers campers the chance to sleep directly under the starry night sky and witness some of the most stunning nighttime views in Southern California.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, Calif.

According to the NPS there are nine different campgrounds with about 500 developed sites within the park, with options available for all types of visitors from solo travelers to large groups.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

This is an increasingly popular place to pitch a tent. The NPS says most sites in each of Zion's three official park campgrounds are filled by noon on weekdays and by the morning on weekends. y.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Mid-March through November is the park's busiest time of all and most campgrounds are full every night. Guests can secure reservations for the Watchman Campground, but there are also many private campgrounds available nearb

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.

There are three official NPS campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park, two of which visitors can make reservations for: Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.

"The Grand Canyon offers inexpensive camping spots close to the main entrance of the South Rim and has easy access for sunrise hikes and photos," says Boyd. The NPS Desert View Campground on the South Rim (25 miles to the east of Grand Canyon Village) is first come, first served.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C. & Tenn.

Not only did voters name this park the second best for camping, but they also voted it as the No. 1 place for hiking in the U.S. Indeed, the breathtaking wilderness of the Smoky Mountains is ideal for both. Not to mention, the park offers visitors several different types of camping experiences.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C. & Tenn.

Campers can choose from frontcountry or backcountry sites to group campgrounds and even horse camps. However, outdoor explorers should beware of bears in the area. The NPS warns that bears are currently "very active" in the park.

1. Yosemite National Park, Calif.

"Yosemite is great for car-camping and RVing, a nice alternative for those not ready to be in the backcountry without any creature comforts,” says Boyd.

1. Yosemite National Park, Calif.

According to the NPS the park has 13 popular campgrounds, many of which they recommend making reservations for, especially April through September.